Newsbeat

September 19, 2017

GILL Presents Mah-Jongg Day

An introduction to the game of Mah-Jongg and its strategies is scheduled for Wednesday, September 27 at the Garrett Information Enterprise Center (GIEC)/Continuing Education building on the Garrett College McHenry Campus. Hosted by the Garrett Institute for Lifelong Learning (GILL), the morning session will begin at 10 a.m. to describe the rules of play and practice implementing those rules. After a lunch break, beginners will be joined by experienced players for actual game play. Following the game, there will be a panel discussion for intermediate/advanced players to discuss strategies for choosing hands, managing the risks of winning with more complicated hands, and changing hands during the round of play.

Mah-Jongg is a fascinating, rummy-like game played with tiles rather than cards. It uses a card of Standard Hands, published by the U.S. National Mah-Jongg League, which defines what hands are winners in each round of play. Mah-Jongg is enjoying resurgence in popularity, with many players in Garrett County who meet on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Thursdays to play. Marci McClive, fellow GILL member, describes the sessions as “not only an enjoyable time spent with new friends but also a challenge in problem solving, memory retention, and strategic thinking skills.”

The schedule for the day is as follows:
10 a.m. – 12 noon: introduction to the game and “deck” of tiles and a brief introduction to the rules of the 2017 “hands” prescribed by the League. Handouts will be provided.

12 noon – 1 p.m.: Lunch break

1 p.m. – 3 p.m.: Practice hands using the card of Standard Hands, published by the National Mah-Jongg League. This session is essential for extending the learning of the morning into actual play and reinforcement of the aspects of the game.

3 p.m. – 4:30 p.m.: A panel of current players will discuss strategies for choosing hands, managing the risks of winning with more complicated hands, and changing hands during the round of play. Examples will be given. Questions are encouraged. New players are welcome to stay, but this session will be offered for intermediate and advanced players especially.

The Garrett Institute for Lifelong Learning (GILL) group, operates under Garrett College Continuing Education and Workforce Development. All sessions are free for GILL members, but members must register in advance.

To register for Mah-Jongg Day or for more information about GILL, please contact Garrett College Continuing Education & Workforce Development at 301 387-3069.